Something special is happening in Metro Vancouver: transit ridership is growing faster than any other region in Canada or the United States.

This growth comes hot off the heels of major transportation investment identified in the Mayors' Council 10-Year Vision. Demand for more services is surging at a time when many other metropolitan areas are experiencing steep declines in ridership.

There is an insatiable demand for more transit services in the region and TransLink has a $7.3-billion investment plan to address it.Funding for the next round of expansion was approved earlier this year, allowing for the increase in even more transit services. In addition, major infrastructure projects like the Millennium Line Broadway Extension and Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit have received the greenlight.

As the region continues to grow, so too will the demand for affordable, accessible, and sustainable transportation choices. Starting this year, TransLink will begin the process of updating the Regional Transportation Strategy, our region's 30-year roadmap for transit and transportation planning. As technological changes occur at an exponential pace, how can TransLink prepare for and embrace disruption?

Returning for his third annual address to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, join us for TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond's much-anticipated update on the current state of transit and transportation and the future of mobility in our growing region. You will also have an opportunity to hear about the next steps on delivering the approved major projects.

Following his address, Mr. Desmond will be joined on stage for a moderated Q&A.

Moderator

Jane Bird
Senior Business Advisor
Bennett Jones LLP

About the speaker:

Kevin is an experienced executive with a career built in the public transportation industry.

Prior to joining TransLink, Kevin was General Manager of King County Metro Transit serving the Seattle metropolitan region. At Metro, he oversaw a mix of transit modes, including buses, trains, vanpools, paratransit vans, as well as approximately 5,000 employees. In his 12 years tenure, he helped to grow ridership by 44 per cent and launch the ORCA Card, as well as light rail, streetcar service, and several bus rapid transit lines. Kevin was also part of three successful votes on transit funding.

Prior to Metro Transit, Kevin was Vice-President of Operations and Development at Pierce Transit in Tacoma, Washington. Before relocating to the West Coast, Kevin acted as Chief of Operations Planning for New York City Transit which included bus and subway operations. Earlier in his career he served as Deputy Director in Mayor Koch's Transportation Office and Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Kevin has a master's degree in public administration from New York University. He was a member of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board of Directors and the first chair of the organization's Sustainability Committee.